Craig Mack, ‘Flava In Ya Ear’ Rapper, Dead At 46

Craig Mack, one of the first rappers signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, died in a hospital near his home in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Monday (March 12), according to the NY Daily News. The cause of death was reportedly heart failure. He was 46.

The now-classic “Flava In Ya Ear,” would go on to peak at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, be certified platinum, and grab a nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 37th Grammy Awards. The ensuing remix featured a scorching verse from Notorious B.I.G. and introduced many to a young Busta Rhymes.

In an interview with Yo! MTV Raps, Craig described his first meeting with Diddy and how it spawned a record deal.

“We meet at this club called the Mecca,” said Mack. “Alvin brought me down to Mecca. I went outside the club. I was kicking it with my man Puff. He asked me to kick a freestyle rhyme for him. Me, Alvin, and Puff were sitting outside. I kicked a freestyle rhyme for him. He was like, ‘You know what I’m gonna trade you a record deal if you get down on Mary J.’s [“You Don’t Have To Worry (Remix)”]. “

According to friend and producer, Alvin Toney, Mack is survived by his wife and two children. Multiple members of the hip-hop community have come forward to pay their respects.

Craig Mack, one of the first rappers signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, died in a hospital near his home in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Monday (March 12), according to the NY Daily News. The cause of death was reportedly heart failure. He was 46.

The now-classic “Flava In Ya Ear,” would go on to peak at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, be certified platinum, and grab a nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 37th Grammy Awards. The ensuing remix featured a scorching verse from Notorious B.I.G. and introduced many to a young Busta Rhymes.

In an interview with Yo! MTV Raps, Craig described his first meeting with Diddy and how it spawned a record deal.

“We meet at this club called the Mecca,” said Mack. “Alvin brought me down to Mecca. I went outside the club. I was kicking it with my man Puff. He asked me to kick a freestyle rhyme for him. Me, Alvin, and Puff were sitting outside. I kicked a freestyle rhyme for him. He was like, ‘You know what I’m gonna trade you a record deal if you get down on Mary J.’s [“You Don’t Have To Worry (Remix)”]. “